Spend 3 Days in Dresden, Germany

Neo-gothic palaces, Baroque churches and historical museums are some of things you would enjoy in Dresden. Despite the damage brought upon by the bombings of World War II, Dresden is now one of the most beautiful cultural centers of Germany. Whether this is your first trip to Dresden or you’ve been here a few times before, a 3-day stay opens up tons of new and interesting things to do. While it’s almost impossible to experience everything – even if your trip lasts more than a week—this itinerary is designed to allow you to visit the city’s most famous attractions. Read on for suggestions on how to make the most of your time in Dresden.

Things to know before traveling to Germany:

Language – The official language of Germany is German which is spoken by majority of the population. Most German speak English, so you can absolutely get by without speaking German language. However, not all people in Germany can speak English so learning a few basic German words and phrases is recommended. Just like in other countries, speaking at least some German phrases or attempting to learn is greatly appreciated by locals.

Currency exchange – Germany uses Euros, the same currency now used by most European Union countries with the exception of Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Poland, Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Prior to travelling, you can buy some euros (enough for one day or whatever your preference) and then exchange your money in the banks to get the best rates. You can also use the Geldautomat (ATM), exchange bureaus which can be found at the airports, major railways stations and in other tourist areas.

Safety and security – There is currently no nationwide security advisory in effect for Dresden. Check your country’s travel advisory website to get the most up-to-date information for your personal safety abroad. Keep your guard up at all times and avoid any streets that are not crowded.

Transportation – Traveling in Dresden is relatively easy as all roads are well-maintained and the public transport system is one of Europe’s finest. Metro buses or trams are the cheapest and most popular way of getting around. Trains are also popular because they are relatively cheap and fast. Bicycle rentals are also available at the main train station for a minimal fee. To save on cost, you may purchase a 3-day Dresden City Card which gives you free admission to many tourist attractions and free use of public transportation.

Accommodation – Dresden has some of the best backpacker hostels, villas and luxury hotels ideally nestled in the heart of the city. The most frequently asked question from first time travelers is, “What’s the best area to stay in when visiting Dresden?” The city is split into a total of eight districts. The Altstadt (Old City), the Aussere Neustadt (Outer City) and the Innenstadt (Inner City) are the three most popular districts and home to most attractions in the city.

The Frauenkirche features one of the largest domes of Europe (kavalenkava/Shutterstock.com)

Today starts your adventure in Dresden! Check into your chosen accommodation where you will be staying for three nights. Then, set out this morning to see some of the most beautiful attractions in the city. Head to your first destination, The Frauenkirche Dresden (Church of Our Lady at Georg-Treu-Platz 3). It is hard to believe that this impressive Baroque church was all but wiped off the map by the bombings of WWII. It took 45 years for the reconstruction of the Frauenkirche and for it to reopen its doors to the people. Another iconic building that was reduced to rubble was the Zwinger Palace, the historical baroque complex situated in eastern Dresden. By 1963, large part of the Zwinger Palace was restored to its pre-WWII state. Spend the afternoon by visiting the other attractions around the Aldstadt (Old City).

The Zwinger Palace was constructed in stages from 1710 to 1728. Today it is a museum complex, containing the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister,, the Dresden Porcelain Collection and the Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon (Radoslaw Maciejewski/Shutterstock.com)

In the evening, you may watch a ballet or opera in The Semperoper Dresden (Dresden Opera House). For performance schedule and ticket prices, visit their official website. You may also avail a guided tour of the Semperoper during the days when there are no performances or rehearsals. The opera house itself has a magnificent architecture with an equally interesting history.

The main Hall of Semperoper. The opera house was originally built by the architect Gottfried Semper in 1841 (posztos/Shutterstock.com)

Day 2 Get a full German breakfast to start your second day. They usually have smoked fish, boiled eggs, meats, potatoes, different cheeses, jams and jellies along with yummy breads of all kinds. A filling breakfast gives you plenty of energy as you set out this morning for the galleries, museums and shopping streets of Dresden. Start the day with a leisurely walk around Neustadt, situated on the right banks of the Elbe. Some of the attractions in the Neustadt District are the Golden Horseman, Japanese Palace, Neustadt Market Hall, The Dreikönigskirche (Church of the Three Kings), and Blockhouse and Hauptstraße. For lunch, make your way to Curry & Co Restaurant (Louisenstraße 62), home to the best Currywurst in Germany.

The Courtyard of the Elements in Neustadt is probably the most photographed building in the area. Its rain drain pipes turn into a musical instrument when it rains (xantolus/Shutterstock.com)

In the afternoon, make your way to Gemaldegalerie Alte Meister (Old Masters Picture Gallery), which exhibits the fascinating history of Dresden and houses a vast collection of historical paintings from the world’s most famous painters. Another museum you should not miss is the Grünes Gewölbe (Green Vault), a historic attraction which houses one of the largest collection of treasures in Europe. End the day at Elbwiesen (Elbe Meadows), one of the best places in Dresden to chill and have a picnic.

Grünes Gewölbe (Green Vault) in the historic center of Dresden. Museum is a unique historic museum that contains the largest collection of treasures in Europe (Brian Kinney/Shutterstock.com)

Day 3 Taking into consideration that you most likely stayed out rather late the other night, you can start day 9 at around 10 to 11 in the morning. Get a one last whirl through Dresden to take in any museums or other attractions that you might have missed. You can also join a walking food tourof Neustadt (New Town) or Altstadt (Old Town). On this tour, you will also be introduced to traditional Dresden and learn the best way to cook authentic German food. Eat The World Food Tours Dresden is currently the number one walking food tour in Dresden based on TripAdvisor reviews. For more information, you may visit their official website.

This is the end of our 3-day suggested itinerary. You may extend your holiday for as long as you prefer or until you get to see all attractions that interest you. Take time to meet the locals and sample the best German dishes. If the pace gets too hectic, then reorder your sightseeing priorities. Happy travel!

Have you been to Dresden? Do you have any tips or suggestions to share? If so, you can leave your comments below.